I count it a privilege and honour to now (so soon) have in my possession Henning's Songs from "Energy of Slaves", which I've already listened to 4 times!

I think it is FABULOUS - Henning (& Lino) deserve whatever accolades they get for this great (first) effort It beautifully captures that special Cohen feeling that is so critical for such a project, but with Henning's own unique voice & style - and to think that he has been so apologetic about it! Despite the production limitations, I think Henning has a small masterpiece with this album and LC will probably be thinking to himself that he should perhaps have thought of putting some of these poetry selections, as well as some of his other poems, to music as well! (Oh well, you can't do everything.)

So saying, I would highly recommend you order a copy from Henning - see LC Files for further info & email address etc.

I fully endorse Andrew Darby's comments re "Songs from Energy of Slaves, although I've only heard "Wisdom" to date.
Congratulations, Henning! It must indeed have been a "labour of love".
I particularly like the piano accompaniment: Leonard's lyrics, while usually sung and recorded to guitar-based music, nevertheless can be enhanced with sensitive piano accompaniment, as in the case of "Wisdom".
So all you Cohenites out there, get a copy!
Andrew.

I want you to know that the piano and instruments on the CD are Lino's work ! I only manage to play a few chords on the guitar. So all the songs were composed on the guitar. For "Wisdom" Lino suggested the piano to take over. And so it did.

Leonard used to compose all his songs on the guitar. This changed with "I'm your man" when he started to use the keyboard for compositions.

After "Ten new songs" I heard that he plans to go back to the roots for the next CD and do some guitar-based songs again. But what do we know ?

Last edited by Henning on Fri Sep 12, 2003 10:10 am, edited 1 time in total.

When I heard "Wisdom" I knew I had to get hold of this CD and now I have it. And it has exceeded my expectations. This is not just putting music to words....great care was taken in composing the melodies. After 4-5 listens - the first one made the rush hour drive home yesterday (with a diversion to the chinese takeout) quite a pleasurable experience - it appears there is abundant variation of melody to keep the listener coming back. And yet not too much so that the album has a theme in lyrics and melody and doesnt sound like a bunch of songs put together as an album.
The style is clearly influenced by early Cohen and captures the essence of his early albums while retaining a certain individuality that is quite different from Cohen. In the last track (Prayer) Henning sounds eerily like the early LC himself in Lady Midnight. As for the apologies of home production etc., the good stuff stands out irrespective of home or studio production. And this is as good as it gets. For the record, Springsteen's groundbreaking album, Nebraska, was cut in his bedroom.
I have to admit that I did find the accent/phrasing a little odd on the first listen but that is very quickly gotten used to. I am still looking for the banging door .
I would strongly recommend this album.
how long did this effort take from conception to product ? This is obviously a more involved and creative endeavor than all but the most inventive of Cohen covers.

You have outdone yourself. Since August, when you sent me that prized advance copy, I have listened maybe 100 times... maybe more... never tiring of it, never bored by it, always wanting to hear more and more, always hearing something different that I didn't hear before... thank you so much for this brilliant masterpiece. I do hope Leonard listens to your very wonderful and unique labour of love.. and thank you so much, dear friend, for giving us such a gift.